Nirvana - Bleach (1989)

Nirvana - Bleach (1989)

Tracklist, Album Covers and Info

1. "Blew" 2:55
2. "Floyd the Barber" 2:18
3. "About a Girl" 2:48
4. "School" 2:42
5. "Love Buzz" (Shocking Blue cover, not included on the 1989 UK release and replaced by "Big Cheese" but included on the 1992 UK CD reissue) Robbie van Leeuwen 3:35
6. "Paper Cuts" 4:06
7. "Negative Creep" 2:56
8. "Scoff" 4:10
9. "Swap Meet" 3:03
10. "Mr. Moustache" 3:24
11. "Sifting" 5:22

Total length: 37:19

Bleach is the debut studio album by the American rock band Nirvana, released on June 15, 1989 by Sub Pop. After the release of its debut single "Love Buzz" on Sub Pop in November 1988, Nirvana practiced for two to three weeks in preparation for recording a full-length album. The main recording sessions for Bleach took place at Reciprocal Recording in Seattle, Washington between December 1988 and January 1989.

Bleach did not chart upon its original indie label release, but was well received by critics. When the album was reissued internationally by Geffen Records in 1992 following the success of Nirvana's second album, Nevermind, its major label version peaked at number 89 on the Billboard 200, peaked at number 33 on the UK Albums Chart and 34 on the Australian albums chart. In 2009, Sub Pop released a 20th anniversary edition of Bleach featuring a live recording of a Nirvana show in Portland, Oregon from 1990 as extra material.

Nirvana was an American rock band formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987. Founded by lead singer-songwriter and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic, the band went through a succession of drummers before recruiting Dave Grohl in 1990. Nirvana's success popularized alternative rock, and they were often referenced as the figurehead band of Generation X. Their music maintains a popular following and continues to influence modern rock and roll culture.

In the late 1980s, Nirvana established itself as part of the Seattle grunge scene, releasing its first album, Bleach, for the independent record label Sub Pop in 1989. They developed a sound that relied on dynamic contrasts, often between quiet verses and loud, heavy choruses. After signing to major label DGC Records in 1991, Nirvana found unexpected mainstream success with "Smells Like Teen Spirit", the first single from their landmark second album Nevermind (1991). A cultural phenomenon of the 1990s, Nevermind was certified Diamond by the RIAA and is credited for ending the dominance of hair metal.

Nirvana Band Members / Musicians

Kurt Cobain[ – vocals, guitar (credited as "Kurdt Kobain")

Krist Novoselic – bass guitar (credited as "Chris Novoselic")

Chad Channing – drums

Dale Crover – drums on "Floyd the Barber", "Paper Cuts" and "Downer"

Jack Endino – producer

Tracy Marander – photography

Charles Peterson – photography

Lisa Orth – design

Jane Higgins – execution

Jason Everman is pictured in the cover photo and credited as a second guitarist for Nirvana, but he did not perform on the album.

Nirvana Discography Full

1989 Bleach

1991 Nevermind

1993 In Utero

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Nirvana – Live at Reading (Live) (2009): Iconic Grunge Captured

Nirvana, the legendary American rock band that defined the grunge movement of the 1990s, delivered some of the most iconic live performances in rock history. Their 2009 release, Live at Reading, captures the band at their peak during the 1992 Reading Festival, immortalizing Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl in one of their most celebrated live sets.

A Brief Biography of Nirvana

Formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987, Nirvana consisted of Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass), and, from 1990, Dave Grohl (drums). The band rose to international fame with their 1991 album Nevermind, featuring the anthem Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Nirvana’s music combined punk rock rawness, melodic sensibility, and introspective lyrics, giving voice to Generation X and the Seattle grunge movement. Their sound was characterized by dynamic contrasts between quiet verses and explosive choruses, often referred to as the “loud-quiet-loud” style.

Despite their relatively short career, Nirvana’s influence on alternative rock is immense, and they are often regarded as one of the most important bands in rock history.

Live at Reading (Live) (2009) – Album Overview

Released in 2009, Live at Reading is a double live album and concert video that captures Nirvana’s performance at the Reading Festival in England, August 30, 1992. This concert is widely considered one of the greatest live rock performances ever, showcasing the band’s raw energy, tight musicianship, and Kurt Cobain’s charismatic stage presence.

Key Tracks:

• “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – A performance of their signature hit that ignited the crowd.

• “Come As You Are” – Showcasing Nirvana’s melodic depth in contrast to their heavier tracks.

• “Lithium” – A fan favorite featuring powerful dynamic shifts and Cobain’s intense vocals.

• “All Apologies” – Performed with emotional resonance and raw authenticity.

• “Breed” & “Territorial Pissings” – High-energy punk-infused tracks demonstrating Nirvana’s grunge roots.

The concert also includes rare covers, like David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World”, highlighting Nirvana’s influences and versatility.

Nirvana Discography Context

• 1989 – Bleach – Debut album, raw and heavy with punk influences

• 1991 – Nevermind – Global breakthrough, grunge anthem Smells Like Teen Spirit

• 1993 – In Utero – Darker, more abrasive sound, critically acclaimed

• 2002 – From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah – Posthumous live compilation

• 2009 – Live at Reading – Iconic live performance, capturing the band at their peak

While Nirvana’s studio albums are legendary, live performances like Live at Reading reveal the intensity, improvisation, and energy that made the band unforgettable on stage.

Concert Highlights

The Reading Festival performance is considered historic for several reasons:

• The band played one of their longest live sets, over 90 minutes, including hits, deep cuts, and covers.

• The audience, estimated at 65,000 people, responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, creating an electric festival atmosphere.

• Cobain’s stage presence was charismatic yet unpredictable, perfectly capturing the spirit of grunge rebellion.

• The performance included rare renditions of tracks like Aneurysm and School, delighting hardcore fans.

Fun Facts & Trivia

• The 2009 release was issued both as a CD/DVD combo and digital download, giving fans full audio and visual access to the concert.

• Kurt Cobain smashed guitars during the performance, a signature move highlighting his punk-rock energy and frustration with fame.

• The cover of “The Man Who Sold the World” became one of Nirvana’s most recognized live interpretations.

• This Reading performance occurred during the tour for Nevermind, when the band was at the height of their fame.

• Many critics and fans consider this show the definitive Nirvana live performance, often ranking it among the greatest rock concerts ever.

The Legacy of Live at Reading

Live at Reading (2009) immortalizes Nirvana as a live force of the early 1990s, capturing the raw energy, authenticity, and emotional depth that defined the band. For fans of grunge, alternative rock, or live music history, this album is essential listening, providing a front-row experience of Nirvana at their prime.

Even decades later, Live at Reading remains a benchmark for live rock albums, demonstrating how a band can combine raw power, melodic sensibility, and stage charisma into an unforgettable performance. 🎸🔥